Process Development Consultant Support Services.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), specifically the National Institute on Drug Abuse, is seeking Process Development Consultant Support Services through Request for Quotation 75N95025Q00052. The procurement targets executive-level drug discovery and development consultants with expertise in Process Chemistry Development to support the NIH Blueprint Neurotherapeutics (BPN) and Help End Addiction Longterm (HEAL) programs, as well as other NIH neuroscience-focused drug discovery initiatives. Consultants must possess a minimum of 15 years of experience in drug discovery and development, specifically targeting small molecule and potentially biological therapeutics for nervous system conditions, along with an advanced chemistry degree and strong cross-functional team collaboration skills. The government will use a best-value tradeoff evaluation process where technical factors significantly outweigh price and past performance, with Personnel Qualifications worth 100 points focusing on professional experience, educational credentials, and collaborative team experience. Quotes must be submitted by 12:00 PM Eastern Time on August 22, 2025, including detailed personnel qualifications, pricing templates, and past performance references.

This opportunity is set aside exclusively for small businesses under the Total Small Business designation, with no incumbent contractors identified in the solicitation materials. The contract structure is a labor-hour purchase order with an anticipated one-year base period running from September 20, 2025 through September 19, 2026, expecting approximately 20 labor hours per consultant annually with a total annual ceiling of 800 hours per consultant. The government has allocated $1,500 for annual travel expenses per consultant, subject to approval, and compensation is subject to HHS Salary Rate Limitation tied to Executive Schedule Level II. Performance will occur primarily at the contractor's site with communication through video conferences and email, though occasional on-site visits to Bethesda, Maryland may be required. The procurement falls under NAICS code 541690 (Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services) and includes provisions for key personnel designation with specific replacement requirements.